LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - U.S. Sen. Rand Paul says he plans to block new gun control legislation when the Senate reconvenes in Washington next month.

But the Kentucky senator stopped short of using the word "filibuster" while talking to reporters Wednesday at the University of Kentucky. Paul did say new legislation will have "significant opposition" and the Senate will need 60 votes to push it forward. The Senate requires 60 votes to halt a filibuster.

Politico reported Monday that Paul and fellow Republican senators Ted Cruz and Mike Lee threatened to oppose gun control legislation in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The letter also lacked the word "filibuster" but said the senators will oppose a "motion to proceed" on a gun control bill, leaving little doubt of their intent, Politico reported.

We, the undersigned, intend to oppose any legislation that would oppose on the American people's constitutional right to bear arms, or on their ability to exercise this right without being subjected to government surveillance.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution protects citizens' right to self-defense. It speaks to history's lesson that government cannot be in all places at all times, and history's warning about the oppression of a government that tries.

We will oppose the motion to proceed to any legislation that will serve as a vehicle for any additional gun restrictions.